Sr. Launch Engineer

Dana Corp; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana is seeking a Manufacturing Launch Engineer to lead development and optimization of automotive manufacturing processes, focusing on gasket stamping and heat shield production. You will mentor engineers, drive cost-reduction and operational excellence, and ensure safety and compliance across Dana's global facilities.

Role emphasizes launching new programs, deploying standard processes, and developing capital strategies to support long-term technology roadmaps.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or 4+ years of applicable manufacturing experience.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering.
• Progressive die stamping, metal forming and coating process experience.
• Multi-layer heat shield manufacturing experience preferred.
• Must understand statistics as it relates to manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Travel domestically and internationally; willing to work extended or irregular hours.
• Experience with CAD, PFMEA, process simulation and data analytics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement complex manufacturing processes to improve throughput, reduce waste, and enhance quality.
• Lead cross-functional projects using lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to achieve performance improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to integrate new products and technologies into existing systems.
• Guide and mentor junior engineers and technicians in process design and troubleshooting.
• Maintain process documentation and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Lead development of standard bill of processes for automotive stamping products.
• Develop equipment and facility strategies to support advanced process development globally.
• Support global Manufacturing Centers and capital investment planning and SBOP/SPOE adherence.

Skills

Manufacturing systems

Process design

Automation

Industrial engineering

Root cause analysis

Data interpretation

Project management

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

CAD systems

PFMEA

Process simulation

Data analytics tools

Microsoft Office

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving two primary markets – passenger vehicle and commercial truck equipment – Dana provides the world’s original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.

Job Purpose

The Manufacturing Launch Engineer leads the development, optimization, and strategic improvement of manufacturing processes to ensure high efficiency, quality, and safety in an automotive production environment. This role serves as a technical expert and project leader, driving complex engineering initiatives, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across departments to support new product launches, cost reduction efforts, and operational excellence. The Manufacturing Launch Engineer ensures that all processes align with industry standards, customer requirements, and company goals.

This Senior Engineer is responsible for developing and deploying manufacturing technologies, standard processes, and capital equipment strategies that support Dana's global Sealing business. This role serves as a technical leader for gasket stamping and heat shield manufacturing processes, driving operational excellence, innovation, cost competitiveness, and successful global program launches.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and implement complex manufacturing processes that improve throughput, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
• Lead cross-functional projects using lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to achieve measurable performance improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to integrate new products and technologies into existing manufacturing systems.
• Guide and mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing expertise in process design, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
• Maintain process documentation and ensure all manufacturing activities comply with safety, environmental, and industry regulations.
• Lead design and development of new and innovative standard bill of processes (SBOP) required to produce automotive stamping products.
• Champion a culture of safety and ensure manufacturing solutions comply with all applicable Dana safety standards.
• Develop and deploy equipment and facility strategies to support advanced process development in our Manufacturing Centers globally.
• Leads the development of process technologies required to support long term product technology roadmaps in product and advanced engineering.
• Initiates benchmarking activities to ensure Dana is assessing state-of-the-art technology for all manufacturing methods & processes.
• Develops capital plans for business cases, strategies & action plans for deployment of manufacturing methods for all core and strategic manufacturing processes.
• Lead manufacturing representation during stage-gate reviews for customer programs and advanced development projects, ensuring Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles are incorporated early in product development.
• Participates in the advanced development of manufacturing processes for product deployment.
• Implements and creates smart, flexible manufacturing systems, and works with local engineering teams to deploy in manufacturing equipment purchases.
• Lead process to share and deploy best practices for manufacturing and assembly across global locations and applicable business units.
• Support facilities in development of long-range capital investment plan, as well as review and approve capital investment projects for global manufacturing facilities to ensure adherence to SBOP and SPOE.
• Develop/ maintain standard manufacturing / quality documentation (PFMEA, Control Plan, BOPY, MSA Plan, Functional Safety, etc.) for core processes.
• Support customer program launch activity as required.
• Provide onsite support at global facilities and supplier locations as needed.
• Perform other assigned duties incidental to the occupation.

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 4+ years of applicable experience
• 7+ years of experience
• Progressive die stamping, metal forming and coating process experience.
• Multi-layer heat shield manufacturing experience preferred.
• Must understand statistics, as it relates to manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Low and high-volume production experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, statistical analysis tools, and manufacturing engineering software. Experience with CAD systems, PFMEA development, process simulation, and data analytics tools preferred.
• Must be able to travel for extended periods both domestically and internationally.
• Willingness to work extended or irregular hours to ensure that key job responsibilities are accomplished.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of manufacturing systems, process design, automation, and industrial engineering principles, especially within automotive environments.
• Ability to lead root cause analysis, interpret complex data, and implement high-impact solutions.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale engineering projects.
• Work effectively with teams across engineering, production, quality, and leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present technical concepts to diverse audiences and influence decision-making.
• Strong project management skills.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters

Please note that as per Dana policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters were engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Dana will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.